Worries, sorrows and pains are frequent characters in life’s ever unfolding drama, often making our days feel more like a tragedy rather than a romance or comedy.  They stand in our way, trip us up or block our view.  They discourage us and prevent us from searching out the light, laughter and love that is just beyond the gloom. They encourage us to follow their lead or worse, simply be the audience and not the director of our own play.

These actors of drama and tragedy are essential to our play of life, but they should not block us from the other actors essential for a balanced performance.  Pushing past these dramatic characters requires effort.   Just beyond their shoulders, we can find opportunities for the joy they are trying to hide from us.  Sometimes it takes work to pull back the curtains of trouble and reveal, through service, the joy and laughter we seek.

A great man taught this principle two millennia ago.  Whether you believe him to be a savior or simply a prophet, he taught that the trials of life could be lessened by learning of him, of the things he did, and the promises he made.  His mission was one of service and his lessons taught compassion over worldliness.  Our worries, sorrows and pains, or in other words, our burdens would be made light if we emulated him and served our fellow man.  He did not promise they would be removed, just that they would be made more bearable.

He said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”*

*Matthew 11:28-30, Bible, King James Version